Hot Topics:

NM examines road, water systems after record rain

By The Associated Press

Posted:
09/18/2013 02:23:38 PM MDT

ALBUQUERQUE - Days after heavy rains and strong floods washed out roads, damaged water systems and destroyed homes, New Mexico residents on Wednesday began the long path to cleaning up, and authorities searched for a least one missing person.

From isolated western towns to border communities, state officials rushed to restore power and water service and repair roads in areas devastated by last week's severe weather.

The rains, though needed amid months of severe drought, resulted in millions of dollars in damage and caused more headaches for an already aging infrastructure, officials said.

In Madrid, residents worked to removed coal-soaked mud that seeped into homes and stores after a flash flood brought not only water throughout the mountain artist hamlet but coal from nearby abandoned mines.

Meanwhile, Catron County officials say they were working to re-establish basic services to residents along several drainages near Glenwood and Mogollon.

The area in the Gila National Forest was still recovering from a wildfire last year that was the largest in state history. It received around 8 inches of rain last week, destroying roads and flooding homes.

At least one man, Howard Bassett, was reported missing after he was evacuated Saturday from the Silver Creek Inn in Mogollon and did not return to collect his possessions, New Mexico State Police said.

Advertisement

The 83-year-old Arizona man drove off in a Chevy Colorado with Arizona license plates, police said.

In La Union, residents worked to shovel out debris, but with one eye open for isolated showers that were still expected in pockets of the state.

One resident, Evangelina Martinez, told KVIA-TV she was just trying to "recuperate a life" she had a few days before a nearby dam broke and water entered her house.

"Yesterday, I was getting ready to go for my walk, getting back to normal again, and it started raining a little. I was like, 'Please, Lord, no more," Martinez said.

Residents elsewhere in the state had other concerns.

New Mexico Environment Department officials told private well owners to open all the faucets indoors and flush chlorine through the system. That's because officials estimate flooded sewers contaminated more than 2,000 water wells around the state.

"There are more problems right now than we have people," said Dennis McQuillan, the department's source water protection manager.

ODESSA, Texas (AP) — A West Texas man has been charged with impersonating an officer by using sirens and flashing lights to skip to the head of the drive-thru line at a fast-food restaurant. Full Story

Sufjan Stevens, "Carrie & Lowell" (Asthmatic Kitty) Plucked strings and pulsing keyboards dominate the distinctive arrangements on Sufjan Stevens' latest album, and in the absence of a rhythm section, they serve to keep time. Full Story